Days after a woman died during IRONMAN Texas, her partner shared a heartfelt letter about their love and loss. Here\u2019s what he said.<\/p>\n
HOUSTON \u2014 Just days after a woman died during the IRONMAN Texas race<\/a> in The Woodlands, her partner is sharing an emotional message about her life,<\/a> their love, and the pain of losing her.<\/p>\n Mara Flavia Souza Araujo, 38, of Brazil, died Saturday while competing in the event. Investigators with the Montgomery County Sheriff\u2019s Office believe she drowned during the swimming portion of the race.<\/p>\n Now, her partner has posted a heartfelt open letter on Instagram, describing what the last few days have been like without her.<\/p>\n \u201cI never imagined I would feel so much pain and sadness over losing someone,\u201d he wrote in Portuguese.<\/p>\n In the letter, he says it took him days to find the strength to write about her.<\/p>\n \u201cWaking up without you by my side is very, very difficult,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n He described Araujo as someone who changed his life.<\/p>\n \u201cYou brought back my will to live, my joy, and the light in my eyes,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n Her partner had previously described the 38-year-old as the most beautiful person he had ever met, saying she was dedicated, strong, kind, and a fantastic athlete.<\/p>\n In the letter, he also reflected on the depth of their relationship.<\/p>\n \u201cWith you, I had everything \u2014 absolutely everything,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n He said his love for her will last forever.<\/p>\n \u201cMy love for you will be eternal,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n Araujo was reported missing during the swim portion of the race just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Firefighters were called to search for a missing swimmer, and her body was recovered shortly after 9 a.m.<\/p>\n The Montgomery County Sheriff\u2019s Office said a death investigation is underway, which is standard protocol in drowning cases.<\/p>\n In a statement released Saturday, IRONMAN Texas said:<\/p>\n \u201cWe are saddened to confirm the death of a race participant during the swim portion of today\u2019s IRONMAN Texas triathlon. We send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the athlete and will offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time. Our gratitude goes out to the first responders for their assistance. Out of respect for the athlete and their family, we will have no further comment.\u201d<\/p>\n Her partner ended his message with a reflection on their love and the future.<\/p>\n \u201cOur love is eternal, and I\u2019ll meet you at the next station,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at\u00a0newstips@khou.com<\/a>\u00a0or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.<\/p>\n